Jacksonville City Hall’s balance sheets for the first quarter of this budget year aren’t looking great, says a report from the City Council Auditor’s Office that found many city funds “are financially challenged.”

The city’s general fund, its largest, was projected to take in $5.1 million less than originally forecast for 2012, according to a report circulated Wednesday. Most of that was because of shortfalls in property taxes.

Although the city also is spending less than expected, the fund still projected to have a $1.3 million shortfall.

Out of another 29 funds the auditors checked, eight were running lower on money than expected.

“We are concerned regarding the cumulative negative effect of these sub-funds on the overall financial condition of the city,” the report continued.

In case Mayor Alvin Brown needed advice, the auditors added: “The Administration is not proposing legislation to reduce revenue and expenditure budgets, although we believe it would be prudent to do so.”

Meeting sought
Chief Financial Officer Ronnie Belton said Thursday he wants to talk with the auditors about their findings before commenting.